Edward Bear
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Founder | Larry Evoy, Paul Weldon |
| Defunct | 1974 |
| Headquarters | Toronto , Canada |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Edward Bear was a Canadian pop-rock ensemble originating from Toronto, recognized primarily for their hit singles like "You, Me and Mexico", "Last Song", and "Close Your Eyes". The latter track notably served as the closing theme for Delilah's radio program.
History
The group formed in 1966 initially under the name The Edward Bear Revue, spearheaded by vocalist and percussionist Larry Evoy along with bassist Craig Hemming—although the true founders were Evoy and Paul Weldon. Their name was inspired by A.A. Milne's character Edward Bear from Winnie the Pooh. At the outset, their style leaned towards blues-rock, and they had opportunities to open for prominent bands such as Led Zeppelin.
In 1969, they secured a deal with Capitol Records, featuring Evoy, guitarist and vocalist Danny Marks, and keyboardist/vocalist Weldon. Their musical direction evolved to blend blues with pop influences. Their first album, Bearings, included the Top 5 Canadian hit "You, Me and Mexico", which also gained traction in the United States. However, follow-up singles like "You Can't Deny It" and "Spirit Song" failed to achieve significant success. Marks left the band in 1971 and was succeeded by guitarist/vocalist Roger Ellis.
During the early 1970s, Edward Bear released multiple albums largely composed of original songs. They scored notable hits such as "Fly Across the Sea" and "Masquerade". The band's pinnacle came in 1973 with "Last Song", which topped Canadian charts at #1 and reached #3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, earning a gold record for sales exceeding one million copies. Additionally, "Close Your Eyes" secured a Top 5 position in Canada and charted within the U.S.
In 1973, Edward Bear received a Juno Award recognizing them as an outstanding group. By this period, most founding members had departed; Evoy remained as the chief songwriter and reassembled the group twice before ultimately dissolving Edward Bear in 1974.
Following the breakup, Evoy embarked on a solo path, achieving moderate success in Canada with "Here I Go Again" before stepping away from live performances to manage a recording studio. Danny Marks continued his career as a blues guitarist and radio personality. Paul Weldon transitioned into architecture, operated the graphic design company Stanford Designs, performed jazz music, and taught at Seneca College. Bassist Bill Loop remains active in Southwestern Ontario’s local music scene while also providing guitar instruction.
Albums
- Bearings (1969, Can. #44)
Includes tracks: "You, Me And Mexico", "Fool", "Cinder Dream", "Woodwind Song", "Hideaway", "Mind Police", "Toe Jam", "Sinking Ship", "Every Day I Have the Blues", "Guitar Coda". Personnel: Danny Marks, Paul Weldon, Larry Evoy.
- Eclipse (1970, Can. #84)
Features songs: "Four Months Out To Africa", "Chris' Song", "You Can't Deny It", "Pickering Tower", "T-1 Blues", "Pirate King", "Long Forgotten Day", "Monday". Musicians: Danny Marks, Paul Weldon, Larry Evoy.
- Edward Bear (1973, Can. #5; U.S. #63)
Tracks include: "Last Song", "Private School Girls", "Fly Across The Sea", "Edgware Station", "Cachet County", "Masquerade", "Back Home Again", "Best Friend", "Ease Me Down", "Black Pete". Band members: Roger Ellis, Paul Weldon, Larry Evoy.
- Close Your Eyes (1973, Can. #76; U.S. #183)
Contains the popular single "Close Your Eyes" (U.S. #37; Canada #3 for two weeks), along with tracks like "Some Sunny Day" and "I Love Her (You Love Me)".
- The Best of the Bear (1986, compilation)
- The Edward Bear Collection (1991, compilation)
Compilations featuring essential songs such as "You Me & Mexico," "Fly Across The Sea," "Masquerade," and "Last Song".
Singles
| Year | Title | CAN | U.S. | AUS | CAN AC | U.S. AC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | "You, Me and Mexico" | 3 | 68 | — | 27 | 38 |
| "You Can't Deny It" | 16 | — | — | — | — | |
| 1971 | "Spirit Song" | 81 | — | — | — | — |
| 1972 | "Fly Across the Sea" | 18 | — | — | — | — |
| "Masquerade" | 7 | — | — | 16 | — | |
| "Last Song" | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | |
| 1973 | "Close Your Eyes" | 3 | 37 | 73 | 4 | 11 |
| "Walking on Back" | 33 | 115 | — | — | — | |
| "Coming Home Christmas" | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 1974 | "Same Old Feeling" | 36 | — | — | — | — |
| "Freedom for the Stallion" | 20 | — | — | — | — |
Band members
- Lead vocals
- Larry Evoy (1966–1974)
- Peter Johnson (1972–1974)
- Bass guitar
- Craig Hemming (1966–1969)
- Bill Loop (1970–1974)
- Bo Tanas (1974)
- Drums
- Dave Brown (1966–?)
- Larry Evoy (?–1974)
- Guitar
- Danny Marks (1966–1970)
- Roger Ellis (1970–1974)
- James Anthony (1975) Final summer tour with Morning Glory band
- Keyboard instrument#Keyboard
- Paul Weldon (1966–1972)
- Bob Kendall (1972–1974)
- Barry Best (1974)
External links
- Archived: "Whatever Became of ... Edward Bear?" (February 1999, accessed June 25, 2006) dead link
- Canconrox: Edward Bear
- "Roger Ellis, former Edward Bear guitarist, performs at York-Mills". Thestar.com
- Lyrics for "Last Song"